Todays decks have become more of an outdoor living/ dining area; they are no longer just an empty space tacked onto the house. Get the most out of your deck, or perhaps have a new deck built. More people are using their decks for summer get togethers and just relaxing meals out in the fresh…
With summer coming, and spring already well along, the sunny days draw us outside. This brings a desire to just stay outside; bring the tea or wine with us, a snack, and just enjoy relaxing in the sun. A deck with comfy seating, mini kitchen and a cozy fire are just the thing as the…
Three elements make for a perfect deck; low maintenance materials, a roof covering at least the barbecue area, and quality railings that don’t obscure the view. A deck that your family will actually use will have built in or well chosen seating, shade – like that partial roof, lights for evenings. Low level lighting for…
If you house has a deck, it’s a good time to check it out; is it in need of any maintenance such as failing deck boards, structural integrity, and safe railings. In our Pacific Northwest winters, the rain and damp can work a number on wood decks. For older decks it may just be time…
Spring will be here soon, and people are thinking about how to get more out of their outdoor spaces. The traditional deck is a sure winner, but you can take it further if you want more relaxing and less work. The outdoor kitchen takes the concept of the backyard barbecue a step further. A roof…
Here in Bellingham we have lots of older homes built in the 30’s and 40’s, and they often have small garages, some of which are falling apart by now, but that is another story. Why were those garages built so small? Can you even open your car doors when parked inside them? I don’t have…
Especially for 2 story homes, or homes built on a slope, those decks that come off the 2nd story are a great way to provide a raised flat area for seating and eating, possibly with improved views that you could not see from the ground floor. But remember that not all decks are 8 or…
When deciding to build a deck, there’s a lot to consider. Not only do you want it to look good and fit your budget, but it also needs to be durable, safe, and hopefully, low maintenance. For that low maintenance goal, go with a composite or PVC. These require little more than occasional cleaning with…
If you prefer a patio, which is built at ground level, then you won’t need to refinish any decking material, nor will you need railings. The perfect patio might have a roof, to keep things cool during hot summer days, and allow you to use the patio even on rainy days. It can be fun…
Outdoor rooms are just what the name implies; built spaces created outdoors for relaxing, cooking, or entertaining. Like all rooms, they will have a sense of enclosure, whether that’s by walls, potted plants, or screens, and they often have a roof or sun cover for protection from weather. It’s a space that is not quite…
How to make that deck work better for you and your family? Here are a few we have built and maintained!
Making the most of space in the home is now extending to the outdoors, as an increasing number of homeowners are looking to entertain, spend time with family and just relax in their yards. The outdoor room often includes amenities that go beyond the paved patio and deck chairs to include fire features, fountains, hot…
The days are getting a little longer, and slightly warmer, so it doesn’t take much for us PNW people to start thinking about spring and summer. And what is better than a new deck for the warmer days to come. Most homes have either a deck or a patio, but in our climate they can…
Fireplaces bring together an outdoor living area or patio. Similar to the attraction of a fireplace inside the home, an outdoor fireplace creates a central gathering spot. The outdoor fireplace is a great additon for anyone who wants to extend their time outside. With the cozy warmth it provides, you can enjoy your outdoor space…
First off, what’s the difference? Patio: Patios are on the ground level, and generally are constructed of concrete, gravel or pavers. Patios will give you more privacy than a balcony or deck, which is built off the ground. Patios cost less to build than a deck, and so are an inexpensive way to create an…
So Whatcom county has had it’s first scorcher of the summer this year; those days of hot weather may have some of you wishing there was a roof over the patio or deck. In our climate roofs over outdoor spaces are guaranteed to be well appreciated. For most of the year we deal with rain…
One of the great things about a deck is that it gives you outdoor living space. It becomes an extension of the indoors. Decks can be used for relaxing, reading, eating, and more. Homeowners everywhere are expanding their living spaces to include the outdoors, turning decks into everything from quiet places to relax and read…
Some deck floorings are more maintenance-free than others. Wood decks require regular maintenance, every 2 or 3 years to maintain their appearance. Composites, which blend ground up wood and plastic, require little maintenance; they simulate wood and offer lots of color options. Plastic decking includes PVC and polyethyline; it’s lightweight and resists the elements. Disadvantages…
Most of us, when we think of using our yards for barbecues and visiting with friends and relatives, probably think of patios and decks. But there is another option that may work for you, pergolas. What is that, you ask? A pergola is a freestanding structure built on your property, without walls, but with a…
Outdoor living spaces can be “winterized” with a little thought and a few additions. Outdoor propane heaters; these are amazing at raising the temperature near them. Fire pits; everyone loves a cozy fire, and if you don’t like the extra work for a wood fireplace, there are plenty of propane or natural gas outdoor fireplaces.…
Decks, patios and pergolas are all great choices for outdoor living. These open air spaces provide the perfect backdrop for entertaining and relaxing with friends and family while enjoying the outdoors. How to decide which will work best for you? Here are some thoughts: Patios are built on the ground, usually with concrete or stone…
Here are some things to think about before getting too far into this project: Exactly where the outdoor kitchen will go in your yard. The ideal size and layout of the space and the overall look and feel you want. If summers are hot where you are, muggy or rainy, the kitchen will need to…
Decks not only provide a pleasant place to spend the afternoon at home, but they are a proven improvement on the value of your home. In our part of Whatcom County, we appreciate a roof over part or all of the deck, as well. Like today . . . when it is raining, but should…
Most Whatcom County residents get the itch to go outside when some sunshine pops through the winter grey skies! Is your backyard and deck ready for those barbecue gatherings? Our wet weather, coupled with all those pesky fir and cedar trees, which persist in dropping stuff on the deck, means you probably need some maintenance,…
Summer calls us to go outside, even yes, to cook, eat and just relax. To do that, we need a good quality outdoor space; an outdoor seating area and barbecue or outdoor kitchen. The more amenities we have, the more frequently we will be tempted to indulge our outdoor desires. Have company over for a…